U.S. GOVERNMENT / AP – COLLEGE PARK HIGH SCHOOL
kropfpolisci.com
INSTRUCTOR: MR. KROPF / (925) 682-7670 EXT # 2229 / kropfj@mdusd.org
SPRING SEMESTER, 2016. Welcome! I look forward to exploring the discipline of political
science and government with each of you, and assisting you with other academic problems or
concerns. I will be available before and after school to answer any questions you may have.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: During this course, we will examine various historical, philosophical,
and legal aspects of our government, to gain a fuller understanding of how we as a nation fit into
a rapidly changing world. Using the “4 Theories of American Government” as a theme, we will
explore the numerous institutions and processes which comprise our system of government.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: By the completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of some of the concepts and terminology used in the
philosophy of science and political science.
2. Identify and explain the four most commonly debated theories used to describe our system of
government.
3. Identify the historical context and the philosophies of those who framed the Constitution and
the Bill of Rights.
4. Understand the dynamics of our “separation of powers” and the institutions (the courts, the
executive, the legislature, and the media) that comprise them.
5. Identify the principles of federalism, and identify how state and local governments differ from
those at the federal level.
6. Analyze and critically evaluate some of the important and contemporary issues in the world
today, based on 1 – 5 above.
7. Demonstrate the necessary test-taking skills and strategies for success on the AP Government
exam given in May of 2016.
COURSE TEXT: James Q. Wilson and John J. DiIulio, Jr. American Government. Instructor will
provide other assigned readings which we will read in class and on the web.
COURSE METHODOLOGY: Class will consist primarily of lectures and class discussions, which
will serve to amplify and clarify text materials. Students will also be expected to do a significant
amount of reading and drills in preparation for the AP Government exam in May. Student
progress will be evaluated through class exams and written essays.
EXAMINATION/EVALUATION: Students should be prepared to do a significant amount of
written essays and practice AP quizzes. Purchase of an AP exam guide (Barron’s, ARCO, or
Kaplan) is strongly recommended. Homework will consist of reading and preparing your written
research projects. There is no mid-term but you should plan on the final exam in June to be
cumulative. Class participation in discussions is encouraged. Student participation in class is an
indicator of interest and shows that the student is keeping up with the assigned readings. Grades
will break out over a normal letter grade percentage scale (100-90% = “A”, 89-80% = “B”, etc…)
and I will supply you with a grade formula so you will always know your grade. Assignment
weights will be the following:
10% - Documentary video participation
20% - Multiple choice quizzes 30% - Essay exams
25% - Final exam
15% - Research thesis
Extra credit projects are neither necessary nor allowed in this course.
COURSE OUTLINE – U.S. GOVERNMENT AP
AG = American Government (class text) / IN = Instructor notes and web readings
Unit One
Course Introduction – The Nature and Study of American Government:
Readings: AG, Chapters 1 (pp. 1 – 15) and 4 (pp. 75 – 96) and 22 (pp. 576 – 587) and IN.
Unit Two
The Constitution:
Readings: AG, Chapter 2 (pp. 16 – 47) and IN.
Unit Three
Federalism:
Readings: AG, Chapter 3 (pp. 48 – 74) and IN.
Unit Four
The Legislative Branch (Congress):
Readings: AG, Chapter 13 (pp. 316 – 366) and IN.
Unit Five
The Executive Branch (President):
Readings: AG, Chapter 14 (pp. 367 – 408) and IN.
Unit Six
The Judicial Branch
Readings: AG, Chapter 16 (pp. 437 – 466) and IN.
Unit Seven
The Bureaucracy:
Readings: AG, Chapter 15 (pp. 409 – 436) and IN.
Unit Eight
Public Opinion and the Media:
Readings: AG, Chapters 7 (pp. 154 – 176) and 12 (pp. 291 – 314) and IN.
Unit Nine
Political Participation and American Political Parties:
Readings: AG, Chapters 8 and 9 (pp. 177 – 229) and IN.
Unit Ten
Elections and Campaigns:
Readings: AG, Chapter 10 (pp. 230 – 263) and IN.
Unit Eleven
Political Interest Groups
Readings: AG, Chapter 11 (pp. 264 – 290) and IN.
Unit Twelve
The Policy-Making Process:
Readings: AG, Chapter 17 (pp. 468 – 490) and IN.
Unit Thirteen
Economic, Social, and Environmental Policy:
Readings: AG, Chapters 18 (pp. 491 – 510) and 19 (pp. 511 – 528) and 21 (pp. 559 – 574) and IN.
Unit Fourteen
Foreign and Military Policy:
Readings: AG, Chapter 20 (pp. 603 – 650) and IN.
Unit Fifteen
Civil Liberties and Civil Rights:
Readings: AG, Chapters 5 and 6 (pp. 97 – 152) and IN.
Units One Through Fifteen Wrap Up!
Final Thoughts, Course Conclusion, and Final Preparation:
Readings: All Chapters in AG.